Anushka Sharma: Choosing motherhood over career is empowering

Bollywood actress uses tennis player Victoria Azarenka's pregnancy-explaining post to silence film critics who slammed her Aarfa character in film 'Sultan'

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, who plays Aarfa — a promising wrestler — in the latest blockbuster 'Sultan', has shared a post by Belarusian professional tennis player Victoria Azarenka to explain Aarfa’s decision to choose motherhood over career.

Anushka Sharma and Victoria Azarenka. Pic/Getty Images

A few critics have slammed the actress for her role in the film, which also stars Salman Khan. One even criticised her for participating in the 'shameless sexism' of 'Sultan' as Aarfa sacrifices her Olympic medal dream to keep her child.

"Wanted to share this. For those who couldn’t understand Aarfa’s decision in 'Sultan', maybe this will put things in perspective," Anushka tweeted on Saturday. The post read that when Azarenka was recovering from the knee injury that kept her out of Wimbledon, she and her boyfriend learned they were expecting a child at the end of the year.

"We couldn’t be happier and feel very blessed to begin this exciting journey of building a family together," she wrote. "I have been truly inspired by so many strong female athletes who return to the very top of their sport after having children," Azarenka added. 'And I plan to do exactly that.'

Anushka then wrote: "Choosing motherhood over career is empowering. Choosing your career over motherhood is empowering. The freedom to choose is empowering."

'Sultan', directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, also features Amit Sadh, Randeep Hooda, Kumud Mishra, Parikshat Sahni, Abhishek Duhan and Meiyang Chang. The film has so far garnered over R300 crore worldwide.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!